BAY CITY, MI — State police troopers are looking for a man who is posing as a fire protection inspector to bilk cash from local businesses.

The suspect is going to businesses in Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties and telling employees he is there to inspect fire extinguishers. The man then charges a false fee of $10 and changes the date on the extinguishers' inspection tag with a marker, troopers report.

The suspect provides his victims with a receipt from "Health and Safety Services Company," troopers report.

Troopers are encouraging the public to check credentials of anyone passing themselves off as fire inspectors to ensure they work for the company contracted to provide such inspections.

Troopers describe the suspect as a white male in his late 40's or early 50's, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing about 275 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.

Anyone believing themselves victims of the swindle are urged to contact troopers James Willing or Mark Shore at the Bay City Post at 684-2234.